Does CADe technology improve the detection rate of a colorectal adenoma?

Computer-aided detection (CADe) is a technology used during colonoscopies to help doctors find and remove polyps, specifically colorectal adenomas. These adenomas are growths that can develop into cancer if left untreated. Research indicates that CADe can improve the detection rate of these polyps, particularly for doctors who are not already using advanced imaging techniques.

What the research says

A study comparing different imaging techniques found that CADe significantly improved the adenoma detection rate (ADR) for standard-detector endoscopists, increasing the rate from 44% to 63% when used alongside texture and color enhancement imaging ¹. While the average number of adenomas found per colonoscopy remained similar across different groups, the use of CADe helped specific practitioners identify more polyps ¹.

Broader research into artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colonoscopy, which includes various CADe systems, shows that these technologies significantly improve the adenoma detection rate compared to standard colonoscopy ³. Different AI systems have shown varying levels of effectiveness, with some systems showing higher odds ratios for improved detection than others ³. Additionally, AI-assisted tools have been shown to improve the detection of adenomas on the right side of the colon during training for gastroenterology fellows ⁴.

What to ask your doctor

• Does the clinic use computer-aided detection (CADe) or other AI-assisted technologies during colonoscopies?
• How does the use of CADe technology impact the detection rate of adenomas in your practice?
• Are there specific AI-assisted tools that are more effective at finding polyps on the right side of the colon?
• How does the combination of CADe and advanced imaging (like texture and color enhancement) affect the thoroughness of the procedure?